Working With a Freelance Editor
If you are interested in creating information products, you will very likely deal with editors throughout your career. You may need someone to edit a book, review a special report, or tighten up a magazine article. Even if you are a brilliant writer, it always helps to have someone else look at the work with fresh eyes.
Most of these editors will be people you hire on a freelance or project basis. To get the most out of such a relationship, it helps to be clear about what you need and what you can expect.
To start, you should know what kind of editing you are looking for. There are many different levels and varieties of editing. Probably the three you will encounter the most are substantive editing, copyediting and proofreading.
Substantive editing
Sometimes called developmental editing, substantive editing looks at both the content and structure of a manuscript as a cohesive whole. Does the story or argument flow logically? Are there obvious gaps in a certain area? Too much information someplace else? Substantive editing can involve re-ordering large chunks of text, removing text, adding text, and even rewriting.
Copyediting
Probably the most misused of all the terms, copyediting is often used as a catchall phrase for any and all kinds of editing. Strictly speaking, however, copyediting checks for errors in grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation and other mechanics of style, internal consistency, cross-referencing, labeling and so on.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final review of a fully formatted and typeset manuscript. It is meant only to catch small errors such as the odd spelling mistake or hyphenation snafu that might have been missed at the copyediting stage, or that appeared during the layout process.
The above definitions are fairly standard but there are variations. Not every editor defines editing terms in the same way. It is therefore crucial that you discuss in detail the exact nature of the services your editor will provide.
You will also want to clearly discuss the fee arrangement. Some editors charge by the page or word, while others charge by the hour. Still others charge a flat project fee. One method of charging is not necessarily better than other. Just be sure you know what you will get for your money. If you are being charged by the hour, ask the editor to provide an estimate up front of how long the project will take so there are no surprises when the final invoice arrives.
The best way to avoid misunderstandings is to have a written contract signed before any work begins. A contract will typically include a
- detailed description of the services to be provided
- statement of the fees and payment schedule, and
- timeline for the work to be completed, including any project milestones.
Depending on the scope and nature of the project, your contract may also include a number of other considerations. An important clause to include, especially on a book project, is one that deals with copyright. You want to make sure that, as the author, you retain all rights to the material no matter how much editing or rewriting the editor may do on your behalf.
Many editors will supply a contract, but be prepared to create one yourself if they do not.
Here are a few final tips for working with an editor:
- Some editors specialize either by format, by topic, or both. For example, an editor might be a specialist in audio scripts or might focus solely on medical books. You may want to look for an editor with particular expertise in your subject matter, especially if you are writing about a highly specialized field.
- Be open-minded towards an editor's suggestions and changes. It can be hard on the ego to see your painstakingly crafted manuscript go under the editor's knife. But keep in mind that if an editor is making alterations, it's because he or she thinks it will improve your work. And in the end, a good product makes you look good too.
- Establish and maintain clear lines of communication. Know what your expectations are and convey them. Ask the editor to keep you in the loop as the work progresses.
About The Author
© 2004 Juiced Consulting.
Juiced Consulting helps business owners package what they know into information products ? such as books, audiotapes and teleclasses ? that they can sell to generate new business revenue. For a free newsletter and other resources, visit www.juicedconsulting.com.
 Google News Updated : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:08:49 GMT Health Highlights: Sept. 6, 2008 - Washington Post
Washington Post - On the heels of the huge nationwide salmonella outbreak that caused more than 1400 illnesses from Mexican peppers, a regional Oregon alfalfa sprout distributor has recalled its product in Oregon and Washington state after the sprouts were linked to 13 ... Salmonellosis outbreak prompts sprout recall Salmonella outbreak traced to alfalfa sprouts Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:31:13 GMT Cage's 'Bangkok' tops worst movie weekend since 2001 - USA Today
USA Today - By Scott Bowles, USA TODAY After a record $4.2 billion in movie ticket sales this summer, the industry suffered its worst weekend in seven years, with the top movie at the box office doing less than $8 million. Video: 'Bangkok Dangerous' - Not a Safe Bet Fall box office off to slow start Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:23:28 GMT Prime Minister Chances Early Election in Canada - New York Times New York Times - By IAN AUSTEN OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper, putting aside the date he had set by law, formally propelled Canada into a federal election campaign on Sunday. Canadian PM calls October election With economy slow, Canada to hold early elections Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:06:35 GMT Populists Gain Seats in Election in Hong Kong - New York Times
New York Times - By KEITH BRADSHER HONG KONG - Chinese national pride after the Olympics and growing distress over inflation combined to produce a leftward shift in legislative elections here on Sunday. Hong Kong Democrats Retain Veto Bloc in Legislative Elections Key wins for Hong Kong opposition Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:32:36 GMT Falcons head coach: ‘Matt did a very good job’ - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Atlanta Journal Constitution - By CARROLL ROGERS Q. How did the third play - the touchdown from Matt Ryan to Michael Jenkins - develop? New Falcons head coach Mike Smith said of Matt Ryan, ‘It was a great way to see our rookie quarterback throw his first NFL pass. In-game analysis of the Lions' loss in Atlanta Lions' poor tackling about talent, not coaching Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:30:18 GMT Patriots overcome injury to Brady, top Chiefs - Sports Network
Sports Network - Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - Randy Moss had six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown as New England overcame an early injury to quarterback Tom Brady to escape Kansas City, 17-10, in the season-opener for both clubs at Gillette Stadium. Patriots QB Brady out of opener vs. Chiefs Cassel comes through for Patriots Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:15:11 GMT Veteran Financiers to Head Fannie, Freddie - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Thomas Heath and Dina ElBoghdady The new chief executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have long histories in the financial services industry. Video: Feds Take Over Mortgage Giants FDIC to help small banks with Fannie, Freddie exposure Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:46:18 GMT Increase Website Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Writing headlines for your ads is the most important part... Read More As a professional contractor who wears many hats, you owe... Read More When writing direct response copy, there are a few things... Read More How can you gain credibility and exposure for you and... Read More As the famous cowboy Will Rogers once said, "Even if... Read More In order to make more sales and get more profits... Read More Anglers in Maine catch trout using dry flies with barbless... Read More If you write copy you need a swipe file. A... Read More As with any business, becoming a freelance business plan writer... Read More It's a common approach to writing copy. You begin by... Read More Persuasive copywriting is what draws the attention of prospective customers.... Read More Thinking of hiring a staff writer? Think again. Below, I... Read More On the Internet programmers and designers rule, not the writer.... Read More Your prospect has emotions? and you MUST touch these emotions... Read More I went to Google and entered a couple of different... Read More A significant reason behind websites that fail is the lack... Read More "Talent alone cannot make a writer. There must be a... Read More One of the best marketing tools available to your internet... Read More In order to get ahead in your copy writing business,... Read More When you come to 'know' something, there is a temptation... Read More Hands up if the title to this article made you... Read More At times, it can be frustrating to find freelance business... Read More Headlines are, without a doubt, one of the most important... Read More Freelancing is a competitive business, especially in today's fast-paced, e-focused... Read More Grab 'em and don't lose 'em. Every marketer knows that... Read More
Adsense
websites
Impulse Writing for Better Ad Headings
Copywriting: Drafting Rules for Professionals
Headlines That Pull, Persuade and Propel!
Promote Your Business and Get Paid for Doing It!
Why Is FREE The Most Powerful Marketing Word You Can Use?
Ten Eye Popping, Jaw Dropping Ad Copy Secrets
Hook Your Direct Mail Sales Letter Readers With Good Transition Sentences
Crank Out More Articles More Often With An Article Swipe File
How You Can Become A Freelance Business Plan Writer
Are You Asking the Right Questions in Your Copy?
What Is Persuasive Copywriting And How Can It Help Your Business?
8 Reasons to Outsource Your Copywriting
10 Tips for Writing Effective Web Copy
Touching the Prospect?s Emotions in Your Sales Letter
Tomorrow?s Clichés Today
How to Write Carrot-Wielding Copy!
Copywriter Trick Unveiled: How to Write Better Copy Faster
Pulling Sales with Your Ad Copy
Knowing Copywriting Basics - How To Get Ahead In Your Copy Writing Business
Welcome Informed Criticism of Your Work
Hooks, Lines & Sinkers
Freelance Business Writers - How To Get The Best From Your Writer
Progressive Headlines Guide Customers To Buy
Increase Freelance Sales With an Online Resume!
Five Keys To Leaner and Meaner Copywriting
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Yale University Researchers Reveal The 12 Most Powerful Words In The Human Language...
In this article, I am going to reveal a dozen... Read More
How To Write Powerful Headlines
I want to tell you how I go about writing... Read More
A Copywriters Rant: Either You Get it, Or You Dont
Today I am having a rant inside of my own... Read More
Freelance Writing As A Career
Most people would love to make a living from freelance... Read More
11 Ways to Get an Editors Attention
I worked as a business magazine editor for about 20... Read More
7 Powerful Sales Copy Writing Techniques!
Your sales letter is the most important component in your... Read More
What Is Persuasive Copywriting And How Can It Help Your Business?
Persuasive copywriting is what draws the attention of prospective customers.... Read More
Super Verbs Really Move Your Copy
Run or hustle? Eat or devour? Move or scurry? You... Read More
Copywriting Makeover: Making An Emotional Connection - Part 2 of 2
In part one of this article series we began looking... Read More
How To Become A Freelance Copywriter In New York
As a freelance copywriter in New York, your work is... Read More
Power Words And Phrases
I like to use power phrases when writing sales material.... Read More
On Copying and Stealing Designs
The notion on the great artist, Pablo Picasso's quote, "Bad... Read More
Is Your Web Copy Plain Talk?
It's true, we were all taught in school to express... Read More
How to Write Ad Copy that Sells
When I write copy for my advertising clients, I always... Read More
So Youve Decided to Hire a Freelance Copywriter - A Guide to the Collaboration Process
Whether you're an executive or a small business owner, chances... Read More
Professional Copywriting Services - How to Provide Your Own
Just because you're running a small business doesn't mean you... Read More
Website Promotion: 10 Secret Motivational Triggers That Make People Buy
Unless you know the secret motivational secrets that make people... Read More
Copywriter Rates, Getting The Facts Beforehand
Have you ever had the experience of hiring a freelance... Read More
Tomorrow?s Clichés Today
I went to Google and entered a couple of different... Read More
The Power of Saying You Can
If you have children, you will doubtless remember saying to... Read More
A Writers Secrets
Every person has secrets that only he or she knows,... Read More
Increase Freelance Sales With an Online Resume!
Freelancing is a competitive business, especially in today's fast-paced, e-focused... Read More
Accelerate Your Freelance Copywriting Master Business Plan!
Ever wish for your own copywriting business?Ever wish you could... Read More
10 Keys to Copy That Sells!
Whether you're selling a product or service, the 10 tips... Read More
Killer Ad Copy
Not everyone is a writer. Good copy writing is a... Read More
Copywriting |